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We were delighted to welcome two VIPs on a very special day
for Extra Hands as local MP Sir Henry Bellingham and Hunstanton mayor Amanda
Bosworth dropped in to join employees and service users celebrating our 25th
birthday.

Originally set up by David and Hazel in 1993, we’ve expanded
to become one of Norfolk’s most successful home care services, enabling users
to stay in their own homes, rather than move into residential accommodation. But
don’t just take our word for it. "Caring for people in their own homes and
taking the sort of decisions you have to take about their health and welfare is
incredibly responsible. Extra Hands is a really good example of a family-run
firm with a strong ethos and reputation,” said Sir Henry.

Mayor Bosworth echoed his sentiments at our special
gathering, stressing how Extra Hands’ family ethos made it such a success, and
such a fixture in the local community. “Family firms like Extra Hands are so
important for the prosperity of our communities,” she said. “Around this area
we have a percentage of older residents who require a bit of help to stay in
their own homes. Extra Hands is representative of why people love coming to
this part of the world - the family environment, traditional values and warm
welcome."

Over the years, we believe we’ve transformed the lives of
care users and their families. One example of this is Sukie Elliott's partner
who has multiple sclerosis and has used our services for several years. Friends
warned her that having care workers come into their lives might be intrusive -
but with Extra Hands, nothing could be further from the truth. "As soon as
I met our carer, she was one of the funniest people I’d ever met, and instantly
I knew we’d made the right decision,” said Sukie. “Their staff have the right
combination of light-heartedness and professionalism. I don’t feel awkward with
them around - visits are like having a best friend round every day. "They do the job and so much more, I cannot
praise them highly enough. Now I’m sleeping properly and I’m not worried. With
Extra Hands, you don't feel you're on your own anymore."

Then there’s Neville Skoyles. His wife's condition meant
that although they had no option but to use a care service, they did have a
choice about which one – and he says they never regretted choosing Extra Hands.
“Sometimes you meet people who are professionals but nothing more than that –
but Extra Hands staff are sincere and do genuinely care, and you know that,” he
said. "For anyone thinking of using Extra Hands, I’d say go for it,
definitely. If you’re the one caring and they can give you some respite, why
wouldn’t you?"

One of our longest-serving members of staff is Marion Ashton
who has been with us since May 1999. She was a chef before dealing with a
terminally ill family member guided her towards a new career. “The first time I
saw Extra Hands, straight away, I thought the place was brilliant, I got such a
positive impression," she said. “Previously, I’d had to work things out
for myself, but the proper training I received made adapting to the job so much
easier.” Although the sector has been transformed in Marion’s time in it, basic
human care still underpins everything. “What keeps me going is the satisfaction
of knowing that I'm helping someone stay in their own home," she said.
“For some users a chat and a cuppa is just as valuable as things like help with
dressing.” The importance of the human touch also extends to how Extra Hands
treats its staff. “They’re such a good bunch to be around, and really value
their staff," said Marion. “If you
have a problem, you’re never on your own, you’ve got such a big support
network."